On the Origin of Heparin

Abstract

1. The spontaneous mast cell tumor of the dog contains heparin. 2. The cytoplasmic particulate content of the tumor mast cells varies with their anaplasia. This conclusion is based on the following findings: (a) in the immature cell of the more malignant tumor the particulate matter appeared in the living cells by phase microscopy to be composed of greyish illdefined particles or as a fine, weakly metachromatic granulation in the fixed and stained preparation; (b) in the mature cells of a relatively benign mast cell tumor, both in the living cell and in stained preparations, the particulate matter occurred in the form of discrete, dense, and strongly metachromatic granules, resembling those of the normal mast cell. 3. The heparin content was large (fifty times that of dog liver) in the growth with mature cells and only moderate (1.7 times) in that with immature cells. 4. Since there may be a great amount of greyish particulate matter (or fine stained granules) in a tumor of relatively low heparin content, it is suggested that this material represents an early or precursor phase in the development of heparin. 5. This possibility and the fact that the blood stream may be invaded by mature tumor mast cells of large heparin content without evident disturbance in the coagulability of the blood suggest the value of a comprehensive biochemical study of the heparin of mast cell tumors.

Endometrial Biopsy Studies in Reproductively Normal Cattle

“…Investigations by Holmgren & Wilander (1937) indicate that these cells produce heparin and this appears to be confirmed by later work (Jorpes 1946, Oliver, Bloom, & Mangieri 1947, Ehrich, Seifter, Alburn, & Begany 1949, Köksal 1953. Investigations by Holmgren & Wilander (1937) indicate that these cells produce heparin and this appears to be confirmed by later work (Jorpes 1946, Oliver, Bloom, & Mangieri 1947, Ehrich, Seifter, Alburn, & Begany 1949, Köksal 1953.…”

Characterizing the Microstructure of Heparin and Heparan Sulfate Using N-Sulfoglucosamine 1H and 15N NMR Chemical Shift Analysis

“…Heparin is sequestered in the secretory granules of mast cells following biosynthesis and is a potent and pharmaceutically important anticoagulant. 1 Heparin is used clinically in both its unfractionated and low molecular weight forms. 2 The structurally related GAG HS is found associated with the cell surface where it is a key component of membrane-bound proteoglycans, and in the extracellular matrix following heparanase cleavage.…”

On the Participation of Micellophagosis in the Resistance of Tissue to Injurious Agents

“…In fact, one aspect of their function may be consi dered as largely one of storage. In the studies of E h r ic h et al (53) and of O l i v e r et al (54), it has been observed that very large amounts of heparin may be accumulated in the tissues in this manner without influencing the coagulation time of the blood. F i r t h (55) has observed that high concentrations of histamine can also be stored in the tissues (mastocytoma) without effecting mea surable alterations in either adrenal or thymus.…”